is this just 'empty nest' rather than true broodiness?

I have 3 dc. Youngest has just gone to school. They are all two years apart.

Despite feeling more and more like life is physically easier I would say my emotional state has become flatter and flatter. To the point where now that youngest has gone to school I feel almost depressed.

I have considered going back to work but I have had a 6 year career break and this makes me feel quite nervous. Also we have no family support for duting holidays/when kids are ill etc.

My dc are all dedperate for another baby esp my middle child dd1(6). I know this isn't a reason to have another baby but I wonder if my flat mood is perhaps a feeling of redundancy.

You say your children are all two years apart.. That's a great pattern. In a way having another one when the youngest is five, that would really break that symmetry (I am a geek about this...). And you'd somehow have a baby while trying to entertain your nine year old... For me the gap would be too big.

Maybe focus on your career a bit for now and see if the broody feeling oes away. If not, then you can always reassess.

I have three and they are 5, 3 and 1... So far I am far too busy to be broody...

I have 11 years between dc3 and 4. For me the longing for another child never went. I tried keeping busy with education, career and hobbies, but nothing helped. I do think this is Avery individual thing though and making a life for yourself apart from being a mother may help.

I have 10 years between 3 and 4 and there is 16 years between 1 and 4. I love our new dynamics. It works great. The older kids are completely besotted with the baby and are amazed at each and every stage and new development. It is lovely to see. I only wish #4 could have a closer sib for when the others start to up and leave.